Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has published their #SafeRamadan guidance this year whereby they advise of the numerous ways in which Muslims across the UK can continue to observe Ramadan both socially and spiritually.
Their guidance includes advice on hosting and attending virtual iftars (meal at the end of fasting), to tuning in to their local mosque’s livestreamed or pre-recorded services, to top tips for working or studying from home. For small outdoor gatherings between households that are planned in-line with current coronavirus rules, they have advised to exercise caution with a reminder that British Muslim communities have been disproportionately affected by the virus.
Most fundamentally, they have resorted to resolving doubts of fellow Muslims that getting vaccinated may break their fast. The MCB’s guidance has re-iterated that getting vaccinated does not invalidate an individual’s fast and should not be a reason to delay getting vaccinated. A Ramadan health fact sheet co-produced with British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) provides further advice for fasting patients and NHS health care professionals.
Commenting, Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the MCB said, “Ramadan is an important time to strengthen our connection with God through worship, reflection, fasting and charity. This year’s Ramadan for British Muslims will be an important one, looking back on a year of the pandemic, remembering those we’ve lost and the lives changed forever.
“As we take these tentative steps out of lockdown, it’s important we continue to follow the advice to keep safe this Ramadan, as we look forward with hope, determination and faith. The message for vaccination during Ramadan is clear: vaccines don’t invalidate your fast. Stay safe, protect one another and get vaccinated. Finally, I wish everyone a blessed and joyful Ramadan.”
